CARLTON HILLS SCHOOL

9353 Pike Road

Santee, CA 92071

258-3400

2012 – 2013

K-6 STUDENT HANDBOOK

The information in this book is provided to help ensure the success of all Carlton Hills students.  It contains rules and procedures that affect parents and students.  Therefore, we request your cooperation and ask that you read the information carefully.

We are pleased you are a part of the learning community we serve.  The academic achievement and personal growth of all our students is our number one priority.  We want students to be successful in both of these areas at Carlton Hills School.

At Carlton Hills, students will have the opportunity to develop personal responsibility, not only for making choices, but also for being accountable for their actions. This handbook is intended to help students and parents become familiar with school activities and procedures.

Mr. Terry Heck                 Mrs. Tylene Hicks

           Principal                                                 Vice Principal

At Carlton Hills, We believe . . .

Every student has the right to learn and every teacher has the right to teach.  We are College Bound-No Excuses!

Table of Contents

Telephone Reference Sheet                                                                            4

General School Information                                                                      5

School Hours                                                                                            6

School Office                                                                                            6

Visitors                                                                               _______________6                    

School Lunch Program                                                                                                                7

Celebrations                                                                                            7

Standards for Student Success                                                               8

Family “No Excuses” Commitment ______________________________________________8

School Attendance                                                                                 8

Appropriate School Attire                                                                       10

Standards for Student Behavior                                                             12

Peer Mediators  _________________________________________________________________12

Peace Patrol  ___________________________________________________________________ 12

Bullying ________________________________________________________________________12

Grounds for Suspension ________________________________________________________13

Detention                                                                                                                   14

Gum                                                                                                            14

Guest Teacher / Substitute Teacher Guidelines                                                 15

Personal Property                                                                                        15

Lost and Found                                                                                                          16          

Student Academic Success                                                                          16              

Reporting Periods                                                                                        16

Calculating Grade Point Average (GPA)                                                         17

Special Extracurricular Activities / Field Trips                                            17

Student Recognition                                                                                     18

Homework                                                                                          _         18

School Materials / Textbooks                                                                                 19

Library                                                                                                        19

Student Safety / Health                                                                                20

Bicycle Safety                                                                                              20

Parking Lot Safety Rules                                                                              20

Safety Patrol                                                                                               21

Emergency Situations and Disaster Drills                                                    21

When a Student Becomes Ill at School                                                          22

Medication at School                                                                                   22

Insurance                                                                                                     22

School Programs and Organizations                                                                 22

English Language Learners (ELL)                                                                  23

Family Life Program                                                                                    23

Parent-Teacher-Student Association (PTSA)                                                            23

Project Safe                                                                                                 23

Cellular Phone Board Policy____________________________________________________24

Internet Access Board Policy ___________________________________________________25

Zero Tolerance Board Policy ___________________________________________________ 26

Bullying Prevention AR 5131.3  ________________________________________________27

Photo Release Form ____________________________________________________________28

School Contacts

TELEPHONE REFERENCE SHEET

                              Carlton Hills School Office:                  258-3400

  Caren Ostrander, Secretary             258-3401  

                              Tina Calvert, Attendance Clerk        258-3405

  Absence Verification Line          258-2205

                              Susan Bosjolie, Health Clerk      258-3404

                              FAX                                                   258-3414

Teaching Staff:

*Grade assignments may change due to the fluctuation of numbers the first two weeks of school.

These numbers will automatically connect to the teachers’ voice mail by adding the prefix “258” before the extension number.  Please leave messages for teachers on their individual voice mail lines. 

GENERAL SCHOOL INFORMATION

SCHOOL HOURS

Supervision of students at Carlton Hills begins at 7:35 A.M.  To ensure the safety of all children, students should not be on the school grounds before that time.  If you leave for work early, please make necessary arrangements to have your children taken care of until supervision begins at 7:35 A.M.  Once they arrive, students may not leave campus without permission.

Please leave your house in enough time for your child to be lined up with his/her classmates when the 7:50 A.M. bell rings.  It is important that all students be on time.  Punctuality is a life skill that carries over into the work force.  In addition, a loss of instructional time can be avoided when students are on time.  If your child arrives after 7:50 a.m., he/she will be marked tardy.  All tardies are unexcused unless accompanied by a doctor’s note.  Three or more unexcused tardies initiates a Declaration of Truancy letter mailed home and more than three tardies may result in after-school detention. 

All students need to wait in front of the school until the entrance bell rings at 7:35 A.M.  At that time, students are to walk to their designated playground area and wait for their teacher to pick the class up at 7:50 A.M.

After children are dismissed, they are to go to the front of the school to meet their ride or begin walking home.  Under no circumstances are students allowed on school equipment or to play on campus after school, even with parent supervision as this is a safety concern as well as classroom disruption for classes still in session.  Primary and Intermediate students are permitted to wait in front of the office for their older siblings to be dismissed from school. Please make any necessary arrangements to enable your child to leave campus at their dismissal time each day. After- school supervision is not provided. Project SAFE is available for a fee and will provide supervision for your child if required, until transportation can be provided at dismissal time.   

If you need to pick your child up before school is dismissed, please come to the office and sign him/her out.  Your child will then be called to the office to leave school.  A student may only be released to adults listed on the emergency card.  Parents are encouraged to keep early dismissals to a minimum.

Regular Day Schedule

Grade           Begin                Dismissal

                                        Kdg.          7:50 A.M.             1:35 P.M.

                                     Recess:  9:45 A.M.    Lunch: 11:00-11:40 A.M.

                                        1, 2, 3         7:50 A.M.               1:35 P.M.

                                  Recess:  9:45 A.M.     Lunch: 11:00-11:40 A.M.

                                     4, 5, 6         7:50 A.M.                2:00 P.M.

                                     Recess:  10:00 A.M.   Lunch: 11:25-12:05 P.M.

                                         7 & 8         7:50 A.M.               2:11 P.M.

                                  Break:    9:48 A.M.     Lunch: 11:52-12:27 P.M.

SCHOOL OFFICE

School office hours are 7:00 A.M. until 3:30 P.M.  To better serve you please follow these rules concerning office use:

·        If your child is absent, please call our 24 hr. absence verification line (258-2205) each day of absence.  Absences must be verified within 72 school hours or they will be coded as “unexcused.”  Three or more unexcused absences will initiate an attendance letter mailed home.  Please do not call the office.

·        If your child has an appointment, please send a note to the teacher the day he/she is to be released early from school.  This note must state the date, time, and reason for the dismissal, and must be signed.

·         Telephones are to be used in emergency situations only.  Please make arrangements for transportation, after school plans, etc. before coming to school.  A note from a teacher is required to use the phone in the office.

·        Please make regular arrangements with your child as to what he/she should do when it rains. 

·        Please do not ask office staff to interrupt the classroom for non-emergency messages. We want to limit learning time disruptions for non- emergency messages.  Phones are installed in each classroom and you will be able to access them using voice mail (see staff phone list).  We appreciate your cooperation in supporting the educational program at Carlton Hills.

VISITORS

Adult visitors are welcome at Carlton Hills School. For security reasons we require all parents, volunteers, and guests log in at the office and wear a visitor tag.  Volunteers must fill out a “Volunteer Packet” and be cleared by the office prior to working in a classroom. Non-enrolled students will not be permitted to visit during school hours or attend school-related activities.  They are not allowed on the school grounds or in the parking area during school hours unless they are with a parent.  Older students who walk younger student’s home need to meet them in front of the school. Students are not permitted on playground equipment or on campus before or after school even if supervised by a parent.  This ensures the safety of the students we serve.  Younger students waiting for older siblings are to sit next to the kindergarten building.  Students are not permitted to play on campus as it may be a disruption of other classrooms still in session.  If students become disruptive, parents may be asked to place their students in Project SAFE while they wait.

Parents of students are welcome to visit classes at any time.  We ask that parents who wish to visit their child’s classes follow these procedures:

·        Arrange visits beforehand through either a note or a phone call to the teacher whose classroom will be visited.

·        Do not plan to conference with the teacher during your visit.  Make an appointment with the teacher(s) with whom you would like to conference.  This will allow adequate time for staff to meet with you, while not disrupting instruction.

·        On the day of the visit, check in at the school office before proceeding to the classroom or playground. Wear your visitor tag at all times.

SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM

We invite you to visit school and observe the lunch program any day.  If you would like to have lunch with your child, please have him/her order a lunch for you in the morning.  A parent purchasing an adult lunch with their child may only take their child to the front of the lunch line. 

Menus are available on-line or in the front office.  Student lunches are $2.25 and adult lunches are $3.25.  Breakfast is also available at a cost of $1.00 per student, $2.00 for adults.  An application for free and reduced meals must be submitted for each child, each year and approved by the Food Services Director for students to qualify.  If you have any questions about this program, please contact Child Nutrition Services at 258-2290.

Please note:  Energy drinks are not permitted at school.

CELEBRATIONS

In compliance with the district’s Student Wellness regulation (AR 5030) all Celebrations serving sweets or other non-compliant foods will be allowed on the last day of each month, February 14^th being the exception.  At school, celebrations for any occasion including birthdays and holidays are to be arranged with the classroom teacher on these days and need to include the entire class.  In order to prevent hurt feelings or exclusivity be sure to include all students in the class.  We strongly encourage all celebrations to take place away from school.  If parents are choosing to provide refreshments they must adhere to the District’s Student Wellness Nutritional guidelines and bring healthy snack alternatives.  A list is provided on the district website under “Child Nutrition”.  Please keep in mind that there could be students with food allergies.  We ask that balloons be left at home as they can be a distraction in the classroom. 

STANDARDS FOR STUDENT SUCCESS

Family “No Excuses” Committment

We ask that all parents follow the same Code of Conduct as the Students and Staff. For families, the six pillars include the following:

Trustworthiness::I will… Pick up children on time* Keep my promises *Be honest with my children and others* Help my child with homework, but I won’t do it for them *not gossip *speak directly with the people involved, when I have a concern* Give families and staff the benefit of the doubt.

Respect: I will… Use respectful words and actions, especially with my children *Provide guidelines and firmness for children, with dignity and respect *Model good manners, appropriate language and the school dress code *Deal peacefully with anger *Avoid insults and disagreements

Responsibility: I will… Attend school activities often * Read the school newsletter and web pages when possible * Review papers and information from school and return them in a timely matter * Model and teach my child to be accountable for their choices * Assure my child attends school, on-time every day.

Fairness: I will… Understand, follow, and support the school rules * Listen to others, especially my children * Do my part to help out at school * Not blame others carelessly.

Caring: I will… Be kind * Tell my children I love them * Help people in need * Send my child to school, fed, clothed properly, and ready to learn each day.

Citizenship: I will… Do my part to improve my school and community* Cooperate* Be involved in school* Be a good neighbor* Respect authority* Obey the traffic laws, including the parking lot at school.

SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

One of our goals at Carlton Hills is to instill in our students the importance of education.  Students who value education do better in school.  We believe that regular attendance and punctuality are necessary for high achievement and future success in the work world.  Every absence or tardy can interfere with a child’s progress.  Please make every effort to make student appointments after school to minimize the loss of instructional time.  All absences, excused or unexcused, result in a loss of learning time for students as well as instructional funding for the school.

Excused absences:

·        student illness

·        doctor/dental appointment 

·        funeral of an immediate family member, one day of excused absence

·        Religious holiday

·        Independent Study Contract, only available for absences of 5 or more days (Please contact the attendance clerk 5 or more days prior to your child’s absence so that your child’s teacher can plan accordingly).

 All assignments listed on the Independent Study Contract are due the day that your child returns to school or your child will be considered Truant from school for the days absent on the Independent Study Contract.

All other absences are unexcused per CA Ed. code.   Three or more unexcused absences will result in an attendance letter and/or Declaration of Truancy to be mailed home.

Parents must verify any absence by note or phone call every day your child is absent.  Notes are to be given to the office stating the name and grade of the student, along with the dates and reason for absence.  Call 258-2205 to report each day of absence.  Please use this number instead of calling the school office.  After 24 hours of no response from a parent/guardian, the absence is considered unexcused.  Three or more consecutive absences require a doctor’s note to be excused.

Attendance letters will be mailed home at 7, 12, and 15 days of absences and/or tardies (excused or unexcused) during the school year.  After 12 absences a School Attendance Review Team (SART) will meet with the parent/guardian to develop a plan to ensure the student attends school daily.  The Santee School District considers absences beyond 15 days as excessive and may result in a referral to the Santee Sheriff Department and the Student Attendance Review Board (SARB).

Students with excessive absences or tardies may be considered truant. Three unexcused tardies are equivalent to one unexcused absence.  Truant and/or tardy students may be required to make up time before or after school and/or serve in-school suspension. Assignments missed due to truancy may or may not be made up at the discretion of the teacher.  Continual attendance problems may be referred to the School Attendance Review Board (SARB).

Our district wide attendance goal is to decrease absences by one percent. You can help by arranging for vacations and appointments on non-school days or after school hours.  In the event the student is going to be absent for more than 5 days, please call the office for an Independent Study Contract. We appreciate your support in this area.

APPROPRIATE SCHOOL ATTIRE

The Carlton Hills staff is dedicated to providing the maximum educational opportunity with the minimum number of distractions.  On occasion, student fashion may disrupt the educational environment.  In accordance with California Education Code, Section 48907, a student may not attend classes in a manner which:

1. Creates a safety hazard
2. Distracts from learning
3. Disrupts any school activity.
4. The Administration reserves the right to determine:
   • Clothing or accessories that the Administration feels presents a threat to the student’s well being or safety
   • Clothing, hairstyles, or accessories which are distracting or disruptive to the learning environment

GUIDELINES FOR APPROPRIATE DRESS:

·          To ensure student safety, shoes need to cover a student’s foot and be appropriate for physical activity.  Sandals must have heel straps.  Flip-flops or backless shoes or sandals or slippers are not acceptable.  Heels must be of a reasonable height and not be unsafe in the school environment.  Skate shoes, such as Heeleys, may not be worn to school.

·          Clothing, jewelry and personal items (backpacks, gym bags, water bottles etc.) shall be free of writing, pictures or any other insignia which are crude, vulgar, profane or sexually suggestive, which bear drug, alcohol or tobacco company advertising, promotions and likenesses, or which advocate death, violence, racial, ethnic or religious prejudice.

·          Students must be cleanly dressed so as not to promote unhealthy or unsanitary conditions.

·          Shorts or skirts may be worn provided they are of appropriate length.  Appropriate length is measured in the standing position with arms hanging next to the body. Shorts or skirts must meet the fingertips.

·          Exposed underclothing is prohibited.  This includes see-through and/or tight fitting items that also expose the undergarment.  This also includes fish-net fabrics, halter tops, spaghetti straps, off-the-shoulder or low-cut tops, strapless or tube tops, backless shirts, and bare midriffs.

·          Sagging pants or shorts on students is prohibited.

·          Overalls are considered pants and must have an appropriate shirt worn underneath.

·          Muscle shirts, tank shirts, or underwear shirts may not be worn.

·          Pajamas are not appropriate school attire, including flannel bottoms.  slippers may not be worn at any time.

·          Hair shall be clean and neatly groomed and the color may not cause a distraction to the educational environment.  Hair may only be dyed in natural colors.  Hair may not be sprayed by any coloring that would drip when wet.  Color gels are not permitted.

·          Facial piercing shall be limited to the ears only. 

·          Heavy metal chains are not permitted on wallets, clothing or as decorative jewelry.  Spiked jewelry or replicas of spiked jewelry is not permitted.

·          Belts and bracelets with metal or metal replica materials are not allowed.

·          Garments with obscene statements, pictures or messages with racial or ethnic slurs, or advertisements for any drug, alcohol, or tobacco products are prohibited.

·          Clothing with logos that infer a double meaning (Billabong, Flip, etc.) are not allowed.

·          Clothing with graphic pictures (i.e., weapons, blood or violent connotations), are not allowed.

·          No gang related signs, logos, colors, or distinctive modes of dress are allowed, (subject to administrative discretion).

·          Clothing and/or accessories that may be dangerous or disruptive are not allowed.

·          Collapsible hats with a complete brim that may be stored in a pocket may be worn outside ONLY for sun protection.  Only baseball caps with the Carlton Hills logo may be worn.  All other hats and head coverings including skull caps, scarves, sweatbands and/or bandanas, are not allowed at school unless a medical or religious reason is provided in writing by the parent and approved by the school administration.

Students that come to school inappropriately dressed will be asked to change their shirts or have appropriate clothes brought to school from home.  Please keep these guidelines in mind when buying clothing for children.  Appropriate clothing for school contributes to a child’s total attitude and we appreciate your cooperation in this area.  Repeated dress code violations will be deemed as defiance and may result in a discipline step, detention and /or more serious consequences.

STANDARDS FOR STUDENT BEHAVIOR

ALL SCHOOL RULES ARE ENFORCED TO AND FROM SCHOOL

Our goal at Carlton Hills is to maintain a positive, safe, and quality learning environment to help students learn self-discipline and responsibility.  Students are asked to be courteous, respectful, and practice safety both in and out of the classroom. Through careful planning and understanding of each student, teachers and administrators seek to minimize the need for disciplinary action.  Through learning and observing school rules, students contribute to their own safety, the safety of others, and enhance the opportunities of learning for all.   We believe that each student has a right to learn and that each teacher has the right to teach. 

We incorporate the Character Counts Program standards and goals of student behavior.  Students are expected to model these character traits. One is highlighted each month:

September – Respect                                        February – Honesty

October – Responsibility                                   March – Trustworthiness

November – Citizenship                                    April – Fairness

December/January – Compassion           May/June - Courage

PEER MEDIATORS

Peer Mediators are trained junior high students who assist students with peer relationship problem solving.  Carlton Hills Peer Mediators help students resolve issues peacefully while learning to understand opposing sides of a situation.

PEACE PATROL

Peace Patrol is an on-campus “eyes and ears” student monitoring program at Carlton Hills.  Intermediate students look for good behaviors and acknowledge peer positive behavior on a “Peace Paw” slip which is displayed on campus. 

BULLYING

                                                                                                                                     AR 5131.2

No student or group of students shall, through physical, written, verbal, or other means, harass, sexually harass, threaten, intimidate, cyber-bully, cause bodily injury to, or commit hate violence; see BP 5131.2 — Bullying.

Students are encouraged to notify school staff when they are being bullied or suspect that another student is being victimized. In addition, the Superintendent or designee shall develop means for students to report threats or incidents confidentially and anonymously.

As appropriate, the Superintendent or designee shall notify the parents/guardians of victims and perpetrators. He/she also may involve school counselors, mental health counselors, and/or law enforcement.

Students may submit to a teacher or administrator a verbal or written complaint of conduct they consider to be bullying. Complaints of bullying shall be investigated and resolved in accordance with site-level grievance procedures.

When a student is reported to be engaging in bullying off campus, the Superintendent or designee shall investigate and document the activity and shall identify specific facts or circumstances that explain the impact or potential impact on school activity, school attendance, or the targeted student's educational performance.

When the circumstances involve cyber-bullying, individuals with information about the activity shall be encouraged to save and print any electronic or digital messages sent to them that they feel constitute cyber-bullying and to notify a teacher, the principal, or other employee so that the matter may be investigated.  If the student is using a social networking site or service that has terms of use that prohibit posting of harmful material, the Superintendent or designee also may file a complaint with the Internet site or service to have the material removed.

Any student who engages in bullying on school premises, or off campus in a manner that causes or is likely to cause a substantial disruption of a school activity or school attendance, shall be subject to discipline, which may include suspension or expulsion, in accordance with district policies and regulations.

See District AR 5131.3 regarding Bullying Prevention on page 29

GROUNDS FOR SUSPENSION

This section restates the grounds in Education Code, Section 48900.  This section shall not be interpreted to be inconsistent with those statutes.

ALL SCHOOL RULES ARE ENFORCED TO AND FROM SCHOOL

All school rules are in effect to and from school.  In compliance with California Ed Code 48900, the Santee School District enforces a Zero Tolerance Policy that prohibits all unsafe or unhealthy behaviors that jeopardizes a peaceful learning environment.  Mandatory suspensions will be enforced if a pupil commits unsafe or unhealthy behaviors or actions.

A pupil shall not be suspended from school or recommended for expulsion unless the superintendent or the principal of the school determines that the pupil has:

1.       Caused, attempted to cause, or threatened to cause physical injury to another person

2.       Possessed, sold or otherwise furnished any firearm, knife, explosive, or other dangerous object unless, in the case of possession of any object of this type, the pupil had obtained written permission to possess the item from a certificated school employee, which is concurred in by the principal or the designee of the principal.

3.       Unlawfully possessed, used, sold, or otherwise furnished, or been under the influence of any controlled substance, an alcoholic beverage, or an intoxicant of any kind.

4.       Unlawfully offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell any controlled substance, alcoholic beverage, or an intoxicant of any kind, and then either sold, delivered or otherwise furnished to any person another liquid, substance, or material, and represented the liquid, substance, or material as a controlled substance, alcoholic beverage or intoxicant.

5.       Committed or attempted to commit robbery or extortion.

6.       Caused or attempted to cause damage to school property or private property.

7.       Stolen or attempted to steal school property or private property.

8.       Possessed or used tobacco, or any products containing tobacco or nicotine products, including, but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, miniature cigars, clove cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, snuff, chew packets, and betel.  However, this section does not prohibit use or possession by a pupil or the pupil’s own prescription products.

9.       Committed an obscene act or engaged in habitual profanity or vulgarity.

  10.   Unlawfully possessed or unlawfully offered, arranged, or negotiated to sell any drug paraphernalia.

  11.   Disrupted school activities or otherwise willfully defied the valid authority of supervisors, teachers, administrators, school officials, or other school personnel engaged in the performance of their duties.

  12.   Knowingly received stolen school property or private property.

  13.   Possessed an imitation firearm (meaning a replica of a firearm as to substantially similar in physical properties to an existing firearm as to lead a reasonable person to conclude that the replica is a firearm).

  14.   Committed or attempted to commit sexual assault or sexual harassment as defined by the Penal Code.

  15.   Caused, attempted to cause, threatened to cause, or participated in an act of hate violence.

16.     Intentionally engaged in harassment, threats, or intimidation directed against a pupil or group of pupils that is sufficiently severe or pervasive to have the actual and reasonable expected effect of materially disrupting class work, creating substantial disorder, and invading the rights of that pupil, or group of pupils, by creating an intimidating or hostile educational environment.

17.     Aiding and abetting the infliction or attempted infliction of physical injury to another person.

Many of these offenses may result in a five day suspension pending Administrative Review at the District Office.  There, the Assistant Superintendent of Santee Schools may issue a consequence that could result in one of the following:  change student school placement or move to the Santee School Board for an expulsion hearing.  There the Santee School Board could decide to remove the student from the Santee School District.

MANDATORY SUSPENSIONS

Parents are contacted by phone and/or written referral when children are referred to the office.  A parent conference will be required for flagrant or continued disruption of school activities. 

1.   Possessing, selling, or furnishing a firearm if possession is verified by school employee and the pupil did not have permission from a certificated employee for the possession with such permission being concurred in by the principal or designee of the principal.

2.   Possession of any knife or weapon.

3.   Unlawful selling or possession of a controlled substance.

4.     Possession of a laser pointer.

DETENTION

A teacher may assign after-school detention when a student chooses not to follow school or classroom rules and procedures.  In addition, the student’s citizenship grade may be lowered.  The effectiveness of detention increases with cooperation between parents and the school.  Parents will be notified verbally or in writing when a detention is assigned.  Pursuant to Board Policy 5144, students may be detained for up to 15 minutes without prior parent notification.

Students detained after school for a period longer than 15 minutes will bring a note home or call informing the parent that they were assigned the detention.  If a child does not show for detention, the time may be doubled and the parent will be contacted.

GUM

Gum is not allowed on school grounds or school activities

at any time.  This includes before and after school.

GUEST TEACHER/SUBSTITUTE TEACHER GUIDELINES

Carlton Hills students are expected to treat all guest/substitute teachers with the utmost respect.  The job of a guest teacher can be a very difficult one, and it is the responsibility of all students to do everything possible to make the guest teacher’s day a positive one.  Students are expected to:

          1.  Quietly enter classrooms and sit in assigned seats.

2.    Follow all directions given by the guest teacher.

3.    Show respect for the guest teacher at all times.

Consequences up to and including suspension will be enforced for any student who is sent to the office by a guest teacher.

Guest teachers are encouraged to make a list of all students who demonstrate exemplary behavior.  These lists will be left for the regular classroom teacher.

PERSONAL PROPERTY

Students assume the responsibility for loss or damage to their clothing, equipment, books, and other personal property brought to school.  The school endeavors to protect all personal property, but is not responsible for it.  Large sums of money and articles of real or sentimental value should not be brought to school.  Due to possible loss, theft, or damage, the school advises students to leave valuable possessions or items of sentimental value at home.

Items that distract from the learning process are to be left at home.  Items confiscated from students will be held until parents can retrieve them.  Cell phones are allowed at school, but must be in the “off” position and stored in the backpack at all times.  Cell phones will be taken away from students who do not comply, and will be kept in the office until it can be picked up by a parent.  Students may use cell phones before and after school in the designated “phone zone” in front of the school, outside the gates.  NO EXCEPTIONS.  Students who do not comply may receive consequences including suspension when their phone disrupts the learning environment. 

LOST AND FOUND

The Lost and Found is located next to Bldg. C across from the office.  Be sure to label belongings with your student’s name so that lost items may be returned.  Unclaimed items will be donated to charitable organizations at the end of each trimester.  Please leave valuable items and large sums of money at home.  Under most circumstances, students are encouraged not to bring more than $5.00 to school each day. 

STUDENT ACADEMIC SUCCESS

PROMOTION / RETENTION STANDARDS

California State law requires all students in grades 2 – 8 to meet the minimum academic standards for that grade level in order to be promoted to the next grade.  Parents will be notified as early in the school year as possible if their child is at-risk of retention.  An intervention plan will be developed with the classroom teacher.  Final recommendations for retention/promotion will be made the last few months of each school year.  Parent – teacher communication is critical for student success.  The classroom teacher can answer questions regarding your child’s academic progress best.  Please see the voice mail numbers listed at the front of the handbook.

REPORTING PERIODS

Santee School District is on a trimester system.  Report cards are sent home three times each year.  Progress reports are sent home approximately half way through each grading period.  Each trimester is 60 days, which allows for a reporting period about every 30 days.   Please see the next box to note which days are reporting periods.

Note:  All dates are approximate except for Parent Conference week.

Parent-teacher conferences will held December 10-14, 2012.  First trimester report cards will be handed out at your student’s conference time.  If at any other time you would like to meet with a teacher to discuss your child’s progress, please call the teacher’s voice mail to set up an appointment.  Parents are encouraged to be part of the school experience.  If a parent needs to communicate problems, concerns, or important information, please contact one of the teachers.  Ongoing Parent-Teacher communication is the foundation for student success.

Report cards will be held at the school until all school materials are returned and/or fines are paid.  Borrowed lunch money and lost or damaged book fines must also be paid prior to receiving the report card.

CALCULATING GRADE POINT AVERAGES (GPA)

Grade Point Averages (GPA) are calculated by awarding each grade a point value.  See chart below:

Add the point value together for each category separately (grade, citizenship, and effort).  Then divide the sum by the number of classes.

For example:

SPECIAL EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES/FIELD TRIPS

Students at Carlton Hills earn the right to participate in extracurricular activities.  Students must be present at school all day on the day of an activity in order to participate in the activity.  In cases where transportation is provided, students must ride the bus to and from the activity.  Activity days are considered regular school days and all students are expected to attend school.  Students not participating in the activity will be involved in regular classroom academic programs.  Students who chose not to attend field trips will be expected to make up all assignments missed due to being absent.

A district Request for Student Voluntary Participation One-Day or Seasonal Activity form will be provided by your student’s teacher. This form must be signed by a parent/guardian and returned to the teacher prior to the activity.  If this form is not returned, your child will remain on campus and other arrangements will be made with another classroom to provide supervision for the day.

STUDENT RECOGNITION

Students at Carlton Hills are rewarded for their outstanding academics, citizenship, and effort.  Students have the opportunity of being recognized by their teachers as Students of the Month for their Scholarship, Talent, Attitude, and Responsibility.  Student assemblies are held several times throughout the school year.  Parents are contacted prior to the assembly by their child’s teacher and are invited to attend the assembly as a surprise to their student.

Each qualified student will be honored at a special activity for Honor Roll students.

PeaceBuilders will be recognized with a certificate at the Student of the Month assemblies.

HOMEWORK

The Carlton Hills staff recognizes the value and importance of homework.  Homework is used as an extension and reinforcement of the learning that takes place in the classroom.  Ideally, homework strengthens those concepts that are the building blocks of the learning process.  Our primary concern is that all homework assigned will provide a positive educational purpose and will serve to enrich and enhance learning at all levels.  Homework is included as part of the total effort and/or work grade upon which the student is evaluated.  Each teacher has their own classroom policies concerning make-up of homework assignments.

At the beginning of the school year each student selects two friends to become “homework buddies” for the purpose of communicating homework information. When an absence occurs, each student is responsible for obtaining homework assignments either from the classroom teacher or through the “homework buddy” who shares the same schedule and is aware of what took place in the classroom.  This is a successful means of ensuring continuity and responsibility among our students.  Choose your homework buddy carefully.  Record the names and phone numbers.

_______________________________________               ______________________

Name                                                                                  Phone Number

SCHOOL MATERIALS/TEXTBOOKS

Students are responsible for all school materials checked out to them.  This includes all books, educational materials, and school equipment.  If any items are lost or damaged, the student will be required to pay for loss or damage.

Textbooks are loaned to students for their use during the school year.  These books should be handled carefully with the idea that other students will be using the books in the future years.  Parents contribute a great deal of tax money to our school for student supplies.  Students are responsible for taking care of the textbooks issued to them and for keeping all textbooks covered. 

Textbooks should not be used as notebooks in which papers and assignments are stored, they should not be written in, or taken from a teacher’s classroom without their permission.  Students will be charged for any textbook that is lost or damaged beyond normal wear.  The average cost of most textbooks is approximately $60.00 to $70.00 dollars. At the close of the school year, final report cards will not be sent home until all books and other school property have been returned or fines paid.

LIBRARY

The Carlton Hills library and research center (LRC) is open Monday through Friday during the school year.  Generally one book per student may be checked out at a time.  Students are responsible for returning or renewing books on or before the due date and are expected to pay for lost or damaged books.  Report cards or end of the year privileges may be withheld if textbooks or other library items are not returned. Checking out a library book carries an assumption of responsibility for that book.  Parent volunteers are welcome in our library.  If you would like to volunteer, please contact Andrea Desroisers, our Instructional Media Technician at 258-3415 for more information.

STUDENT SAFETY / HEALTH

Please be aware of the following safety rules:

• Students are to wait in front of school when arriving before 7:35 A.M. 

There is no supervision before 7:35 A.M.

• Students may not bring glass containers on campus at any time.
• Dogs are not permitted on campus.

BICYCLE SAFETY

Students in grades 4-8 are allowed to ride bicycles to school.  All bicycles must be individually locked inside the bike enclosure.  Students who wish to ride their bicycle need to have a bicycle permit on file in the Vice-Principal’s office yearly.  Students are required to follow all school rules for safety including wearing a helmet which is CA. State Law, walking bicycles on campus, and displaying courtesy to others.  Failure to follow rules and/or obtain a permit will result in the loss of the privilege to ride a bicycle to school.  The permit can be picked up in the office. The school does not assume responsibility for bike security.

City ordinance #21113 prohibits skateboards, rollerblades, and scooters on campus at any time.  Please discuss this law with your children.  Children have been injured and we have experienced a great deal of damage to school property.  Thank you for your cooperation in this area.

PARKING LOT SAFETY RULES

PLEASE NOTE:  OUR PARKING LOT IS FOR STAFF PARKING ONLY.

THANK YOU!

SAFETY PATROL

Fifth and sixth grade students are eligible to be members of the Safety Patrol. Selection to the Safety Patrol is based on teacher recommendation.  Students must demonstrate positive citizenship, academics, attitude, effort, and responsibility.  Safety patrol students must be flexible to step in as a substitute when necessary.  They need to be on time and be trained to participate.  Safety patrol students are responsible to complete all missing work when on patrol.  All students are required to obey the Safety Patrol members.  Safety Patrol members must not be distracted in any way while on duty.  Distracting a patrol member is a serious violation of school and police policy. 

EMERGENCY SITUATIONS AND DISASTER DRILLS

Please be sure to update the school office of any changes in your emergency card phone numbers.  State law requires us to have valid emergency numbers on file for every student.  Each September we send home new emergency cards for you to complete and return to the school.  During the year, please let us know when you change phone numbers or addresses.  We mail items home during the year and in case of emergencies, we need up-to-date information on each student.

Fire and earthquake drills are held on a regular basis and are an important safety precaution.  It is essential that the students follow their teacher’s instructions promptly and remain quiet at all times.  Our staff is trained yearly in disaster and emergency procedures.  In case of an emergency, all students will remain at Carlton Hills and be released only to parents or adults listed on the emergency locator card.  The School Safety Plan is updated yearly and is available for public review if you have further questions.

WHEN A STUDENT BECOMES ILL AT SCHOOL

If a student has a fever or is displaying other symptoms of illness, the parent or person listed by the parent on the emergency card as “Emergency Number” will be notified.  The student should be picked up as soon as possible.  School personnel, including the school health clerk, are not permitted to diagnose or administer treatment.  In the event of an injury, the procedures outlined above will be followed.

Occasionally parents request that their ill student walk home or be sent home to an empty house.  We will not release a student from school without a parent or parent designee signing the student out in the office.  Students will only be released to persons listed on the emergency card.  Student who are absent 3 consecutive days require a doctor’s excuse for their absence.

MEDICATION AT SCHOOL

(PERSCRIPTION AND/OR OVERTHE COUNTER)

Medication refers to all prescription and over the counter health related products.  This includes all pills, injections, inhalers, eye and eardrops, liquid cough medicine, and aspirin or similar products.  If it is necessary for your child to take medication at school, the medication must be kept in the health clerk’s office and is not to be taken to class.  A Santee School District Physician’s Statement must accompany all medication brought to school and submitted to the health clerk.  Medication should be clearly labeled with the name of the student, doctor, pharmacy, date, number, name of the medication, amount of medication to be taken, and the specified time.  An adult must bring medication into the school health office.  Students are NOT permitted to bring any medication to school.  All medicine not picked up at the end of the school year will be disposed of after one week.  Students failing to comply with this will be in violation of Ed Code 48900C and may be subject to a 5 day suspension, Administrative Review and a possible expulsion hearing.

INSURANCE

We encourage all parents to provide health insurance for their children.  A low-cost policy is made available through the school district.  Information is sent home during the first few weeks of school. Please contact the office if you need more information.

SCHOOL PROGRAMS AND ORGANIZATIONS

ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS (ELL)

The State of California provides additional assistance to schools that enroll children who have limited English proficiency.  The program provides testing, tutoring, and instructional materials.  English Learners Acquisition Committee (ELAC) meets monthly to discuss English Learner needs.  Contact the school office for more information.

FAMILY LIFE PROGRAM

We offer a Family Life Program for sixth and eighth grade students.  Classroom teachers usually teach the program.  Parents are given an opportunity to preview the materials that are used in the class prior to children receiving instruction.  A letter is sent home for parents to indicate if they want their children to participate in the Family Life Program.

PARENT – TEACHER-STUDENT ASSOCIATION (PTSA)

The Parent – Teacher-Student Association (PTSA) is a very important and active organization at Carlton Hills.  PTSA volunteers help with dances, assemblies, field trips, eighth grade promotion activities, newsletters, and many more functions throughout the year.  Carlton Hills is fortunate to have this group to support activities by organizing and providing the means for many of our students to enjoy the activities we plan for them.  All parents, teachers, and students are encouraged to become members and participate.  Yearly memberships are $7.00. (amount subject to change).  PTSA is an important funding source for Accelerated Reader books, playground equipment and basic educational needs.  PTSA also provides several perfect attendance incentives for students.

Project SAFE/A.S.E.S.

Project SAFE/A.S.E.S. is an on-site childcare program.  Care is offered from 6:30 A.M. – 6:00 P.M. or shorter periods of time.  Project SAFE has a Modified Day After-School program available for young students that need to wait for junior high dismissal.  Call 258-3410 for further information.

   SANTEE SCHOOL DISTRICT                                                        BP 5131.2               

9625 CUYAMACA STREET

SANTEE, CALIFORNIA  92071-2674

(619)  258-2300

POSSESSION OF CELLULAR PHONES AND OTHER PERSONAL ELECTRONIC

SIGNALING DEVICES

Students may possess personal electronic signaling devices including but not limited to pagers, beepers, and cellular/digital phones.

Permitted devices shall:

1.            Be turned off at all times during the school day, and at any other time when directed by a district employee;

2.            Not disrupt the educational program or school activity;

3.            Be turned off at all times during instructional study trips or at 6^th Grade Camp;

4.            Be turned off at all times while riding on a school bus; and

5.            Not be connected or linked to school district electronic information systems.

Permitted devices may not be operated by students while on school ground.  Permitted devices may be used while participation in recreational, non-instructional field trips when permission for use is granted by the supervising school staff.

If a disruption occurs, the employee shall direct the student to turn off the device and/or confiscate it.  If a school employee finds it necessary to confiscate a device, he/she shall give the device to the school administrator.  After consultation with the parent/legal guardian of the student about the confiscated device, the administrator shall return the device to the parents if so requested.

A student who violates this policy may be prohibited from possessing a personal electronic signaling device at school or school-related events.

No student shall be prohibited from possessing or using an electronic signaling device that is determined by a licensed physician or surgeon to be essential for the student’s health and the use of which is limited to health-related purposes.

Legal References:

            EDUCATION CODE:

            48901.5

Administrative Regulations Reference:

Adopted:          October 4, 2005

                                                              SANTEE SCHOOL DISTRICT                                             BP 6163.4

9625 CUYAMACA STREET

SANTEE, CALIFORNIA  92071-2674

(619)  258-2300

STUDENT ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

FOR

INTERNET AND DISTRICT NETWORK ACCESS

The Santee School District recognizes that computers are used to support learning and to enhance instruction.  Computer information networks allow people to interact with many other computers and networks.  It is a general policy that all computers are to be used in a responsible, efficient, ethical and legal manner.

The Santee School District declares unethical and unacceptable behavior as just cause for taking disciplinary action, revoking information network access privileges, and/or initiating legal action for any activity through which an individual:

·        uses the information networks for illegal, inappropriate, or obscene purposes, or in support of such activities.  Illegal activities shall be defined as those which violate local, state, and/or federal laws.  Inappropriate use shall be defined as a violation of the intended use of the network, and/or purpose and goal.  Obscene activities shall be defined as a violation of generally accepted social standards for use of a publicly-owned and operated communication vehicle;

·        uses the information networks for any illegal activity, including violation of copyrights or other contracts violating such matters as institutional or third party copyright, license agreements and other contracts;

·        intentionally disrupts information network traffic or crashes the network and connected systems;

·        degrades or disrupts equipment or system performance;

·        uses Santee School District computing resources for commercial or financial gain or fraud;

·        steals data, equipment, or intellectual property;

·        gains unauthorized access to the files of others, or vandalizes the data or files of another user;

·        gains or seeks to gain unauthorized access to resources or entities;

·        forges electronic mail messages, or uses an account owned by another user;

·        invades the privacy of individuals;

·        posts anonymous messages; or

·        possesses any data which might be considered a violation of these rules in paper, magnetic (disk), or any other form.

Consequences of Violations

Consequences of violations include but are not limited to:

·        suspension of information network access;

·        revocation of information network access;

·        suspension of network privileges;

·        revocation of network privileges;

·        suspension of computer access;

·        revocation of computer access;

·        school suspension;

·        school expulsion; and

·        legal action and prosecution by the authorities.

Remedies and Recourses

Anyone accused of any of the violations has all of the rights that would normally apply if such person were accused of school vandalism or any other illegal activity.

The district has the right to restrict or terminate information network access at any time for any reason.  The district further has the right to monitor network activity in any form that it sees fit to maintain the integrity of the information network.

Legal reference:

Administrative Regulation Reference:  AR 6163.4

Santee School District

9625 Cuyamaca Street

Santee, CA 92071

ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY

A major goal of the Santee School District Board of Education is to provide a safe and orderly learning environment for students. When parents are asked what is important to them in their children’s schools, right along with quality education is always the safety of children. To assure safe schools the Santee School District Board of Education adopted the following zero tolerance policies regarding serious student misbehavior and that which threatens the safety of others:

Board Policy 5144.1 Pupil Discipline: Suspension and Expulsion

Board Policy 5144.4 Administrative Review

Teachers annually review these policies with their students and parents are asked to discuss this information with their children, strongly emphasizing the consequences. It is critical that every child knows and understands this information.  Further information regarding expulsion laws or District policies may be obtained by contacting the office of Pupil Services at 258-2364.

These policies are available in their entirety on the Santee School District website at www.santee.k12.ca.us.

Any student in possession of a firearm, knife, other weapon or a dangerous object at school, or at any school function, will be suspended and may be required to appear at an Administrative Review meeting and/or at an expulsion hearing before the Board of Education. Types of punishment which may be ordered in addition to suspension include, but are not limited to, transfer to a different school, placement in the Community Day School, community service, counseling, attendance at the Juvenile Hall Open House, and expulsion with transfer to the county Juvenile Court and Community School Program.

Any student who engages in the following behaviors will be recommended for expulsion:

§ Possessing, selling, or otherwise furnishing a firearm

§ Brandishing a knife at another person

§ Unlawfully selling a controlled substance

§ Committing or attempting to commit a sexual assault

§ Possession of an explosive

§ Possession of a controlled substance, drug paraphernalia, or alcohol, or under the influence of a controlled substance or alcohol

§ Willfully causing serious physical injury

§ Physical assault or battery on a school employee

BULLYING PREVENTION

                                                                                                                                                                  AR 5131.3

The Governing Board believes that all students have a right to a safe and healthy school environment. Part of a healthy environment is the freedom to openly disagree. With this freedom comes the responsibility to discuss and resolve disagreements with respect for the rights and opinions of others.

To prevent conflict, each school will incorporate conflict resolution education and problem solving techniques into the curriculum and campus programs. This is an important step in promoting respect and acceptance, developing new ways of communicating, understanding, and accepting differing values and cultures within the school community and helps ensure a safe and healthy learning environment

Each school will provide training to develop the knowledge, attitudes, and skills students need to choose alternatives to self-destructive, violent behavior and dissolve interpersonal and intergroup conflict. Each school will adopt a Student Code of Conduct to be followed by every student while on school grounds, when traveling to and from school or a school sponsored activity, and during lunch period, whether on or off campus.

The Student Code of Conduct includes, but is not limited to, the following:

·        Students are to resolve their disputes without resorting to violence.

·        Students, especially those trained in conflict resolution and peer mediation, are encouraged to help fellow students resolve problems peaceably.

·        Students can rely on staff trained in conflict resolution and peer mediation strategies to intervene in any dispute likely to result in violence.

·        Students needing help in resolving a disagreement or students observing conflict may contact an adult or peer mediators.

·        Students involved in a dispute will be referred to a conflict resolution or peer mediation session with trained adult or peer mediators. Staff and mediators will keep the discussions confidential.

·        Conflict resolution procedures shall not supplant the authority of staff to act to prevent violence, ensure campus safety, maintain order, and discipline students.

The procedures for intervening in bullying behavior include, but are not limited to, the following:

·        Any student who engages in bullying may be subject to disciplinary action up

·        to and including expulsion.

·        Students AR 5131.3(a)

·        Students are expected to immediately report incidents of bullying to the

·        principal or designee.

·        Students can rely on staff to promptly investigate each complaint of

·        bullying in a thorough and confidential manner.

·        If the complainant student or the parent of the student feels that appropriate resolution of the investigation or complaint has not been reached, the student or the parent of the student should contact the principal. The school system prohibits retaliatory behavior against any complainant or any participant in the complaint process.

·        All staff, students and their parents will receive a summary of this policy prohibiting bullying: at the beginning of the school year, as part of the student handbook and/or information packet, as part of new student orientation, and as part of the school system's notification to parents.

·        The school will make reasonable efforts to keep a report of bullying and the results of investigation confidential.

·        Staff is expected to immediately intervene when they see a bullying incident occur.

·        People witnessing or experiencing bullying are encouraged to report the incident; such reporting will not reflect on the victim or witnesses in any way.